Research plans for exploratory Dissostichus spp. fisheries required under CM 21-02 (para. 6(iii) can vary substantially in objectives, format, and design from scientific research exemptions for any finfish species required under CM 24-01 (para. 3). However, both types of research plans are currently required to be submitted in accordance with the same format of CM 24-01, Annex 24-01/A Format 2.
This has resulted in different interpretations of the requirements for the use of standardised gear, as specified in CM 24-01, Annex 24-01/A, format 2, in research plans operating under CM 21-02.
Accordingly, in the interests of clarifying requirements, and reflecting the potential substantial differences between research plans for exploratory toothfish fisheries under CM 21-02 and scientific research exemptions under CM 24-01, we propose each measure use its own Annex. We propose a new Annex to CM 21-02, specifying the requirements for research plans under CM 21-02 paragraph 6(iii). We also propose concurrent amendments to CM 21-02 and CM 24-01 to reflect this change.